Status indicating electric vehicle charging station, lightguide assembly and methods

ABSTRACT

An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing having a body, and a light guide assembly adapted to display a status of the electric vehicle charging apparatus as a halo. The light guide assembly generates and displays one or more colors, flashing lights, or combinations thereof on a light exit region having a tilted side facing surface. In another aspect, a hinged lid configuration of the electric vehicle charging apparatus is provided having a mechanical control panel including lighted status indicators on the lid. Methods of operating the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/482,134 filed on May 29, 2012, entitled“STATUS INDICATING ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION, LIGHTGUIDEASSEMBLY AND METHODS,” which claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/509,156 filed on Jul. 19, 2011, entitled“LIGHTING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROTECTING USER IN ELECTRIC VEHICLEINSTALLATIONS,” the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety herein.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to apparatus, systems andmethods adapted to electrically charge electric vehicles, and inparticular to electric vehicle charging apparatus and methods.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of high fuel prices, the automotive industry has reactedwith a selection of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Such EVs are propelled byan electric motor (or motors) that are powered by rechargeable powersources (e.g., battery packs). EVs include both full electric and hybridelectric vehicles. Electric motors have several advantages over internalcombustion engines. For example, electric motors may convert about 75%of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels, whereasinternal combustion engines are considerably less efficient. EVs emit notailpipe pollutants when operating in battery mode. Electric motorsprovide quiet, smooth operation, strong acceleration and requirerelatively low maintenance.

However, most current EVs can only go about 100-200 miles beforerequiring electrical recharging. Fully recharging an EV's battery packmay take about 4 to 8 hours. Even a quick charge to about 80% capacitycan take about 30 minutes. Furthermore, as battery pack size increases,so does the corresponding charging time. EV charging may take place atthe owner's residence using electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE),commonly referred to as an electric vehicle charging station.

Such EVSEs may be installed at a residence (e.g., in a garage), such ason an inside or outside wall, post or other structure, and may beelectrically coupled to an electrical load center of the residence.Existing EVSEs may take a long time to accomplish vehicle charging, andimproved charging performance is sought after. Further, installation ofthe EVSEs may be difficult in some instances. Moreover, existing EVSEdesigns tend not to be user friendly.

Therefore, there is a need for simple, cost effective, and highperformance EVSEs, as well as improved methods for operating andinstalling such electric vehicle charging stations.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, an electric vehicle charging apparatus isprovided. The electric vehicle charging apparatus includes a housinghaving a periphery and a body, and a light guide assembly mounted to thebody and adapted to display a status of the electric vehicle chargingapparatus, the light guide assembly further comprising: a light guideincluding a light receiving region located adjacent to one or more lightsources, a light guiding region, and a light exit region at theperiphery, wherein the light exit region includes a side facing surfaceincluding an angle of tilt relative to light emitted from the lightguiding region, the side facing surface configured to provide a haloeffect about one or more segments of the periphery.

According to another aspect, an electric vehicle charging apparatus isprovided. The electric vehicle charging apparatus includes a housinghaving a body and a lid including visual indicators, wherein the lid ishinged to the body, a barrier shield mounted under the lid including aplurality of channeling elements, a printed circuit board under thebarrier shield including one or more switches, and one or more lightsources mounted adjacent to the plurality of channeling elements, andone or more buttons on the lid coupled to one or more posts, which whendepressed make physical contact to toggle the one or more switches anddisplay status information on the visual indicators through theplurality of channeling elements.

According to another aspect, an electric vehicle charging apparatus isprovided. The electric vehicle charging apparatus includes a housinghaving a periphery, a body, and a lid, wherein the lid is hinged to thebody and includes visual indicators, a light guide assembly mounted tothe body and adapted to display a status of the electric vehiclecharging apparatus, the light guide assembly further comprising: abarrier shield mounted under the lid and including a plurality ofchanneling elements, a printed circuit board under the barrier shieldand including one or more light sources and one or more switches, alight guide including: a light receiving region located adjacent to theone or more light sources, a light guiding region, and a light exitregion at the periphery, wherein the light exit region includes a sidefacing surface including an angle of tilt relative to light emitted fromthe light guiding region, the side facing surface configured to providea halo effect about one or more segments of the periphery, and one ormore buttons on the lid coupled to one or more posts, which whendepressed make physical contact to toggle the one or more switches anddisplay status information on the visual indicators through theplurality of channeling elements.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present inventionmay be readily apparent from the following detailed description byillustrating a number of exemplary embodiments and implementations,including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the presentinvention. The present invention may also be capable of other anddifferent embodiments, and its several details may be modified invarious respects, all without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regardedas illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. The drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale. The invention covers all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front isometric view of an electric vehiclecharging apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates a front plan view of an electric vehicle chargingapparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a housing and some internalcomponents and an outside cord option of electrical connection of anelectric vehicle charging apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 1D illustrates an isometric front view of a housing of an electricvehicle charging apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 1E illustrates a rear plan view of a housing of an electric vehiclecharging apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 1F illustrates a rear plan view of a rear receptacle mount optionof electrical connection of an electric vehicle charging apparatusaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric front view of an electric vehiclecharging apparatus with the charging cable not shown according toembodiments.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front isometric view of a hinged lid of anelectric vehicle charging apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front isometric view of a hinged lid of anelectric vehicle charging apparatus shown fully opened according toembodiments.

FIG. 3C illustrates a side plan view of a hinged lid of an electricvehicle charging apparatus shown locked opened according to embodiments.

FIG. 3D illustrates a partial, cross-sectioned view of a hinged lid ofan electric vehicle charging apparatus shown locked opened according toembodiments.

FIG. 3E illustrates a front schematic view of a hinge of an electricvehicle charging apparatus shown locked opened according to embodiments.

FIG. 3F illustrates an isometric view of a hinged lid of an electricvehicle charging apparatus shown locked opened according to embodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates a partial exploded view of a first inner cover and asafety cover of an electric vehicle charging apparatus according toembodiments.

FIG. 4B illustrates a partial exploded view of several components of alight guide assembly of an electric vehicle charging apparatus accordingto embodiments.

FIG. 4C illustrates a front plan view of various components of anelectric vehicle charging apparatus with the hinged lid not shownaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 4D illustrates a cross sectioned side view of a lid and light guideof an electric vehicle charging apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 4E illustrates an isometric view of an electric vehicle chargingapparatus with lid removed according to embodiments.

FIG. 4F illustrates an isometric view of a barrier shield of a lightguide assembly according to embodiments.

FIG. 4G illustrates an isometric front view of a second printed circuitboard according to embodiments.

FIG. 4H illustrates an isometric front view of a plurality of lightchannels of the barrier shield according to embodiments.

FIG. 4I illustrates an isometric front view of a control panel on thelid of the electric vehicle charging apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 4J illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of a controlpanel on the lid interfacing with a printed circuit board located behindthe barrier shield of the electric vehicle charging apparatus accordingto embodiments.

FIG. 4K illustrates a partial cross-sectional isometric view of thecontrol panel on the lid interfacing with a printed circuit boardaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 4L illustrates an exploded isometric view of the control panelcomponents according to embodiments.

FIG. 5A is an electrical block diagram of an electrical system includingan electric vehicle charging apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 5B is an electrical block diagram of an electric vehicle chargingapparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of operating an electric vehiclecharging apparatus according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the example embodiments of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, thesame reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer tothe same or like parts. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Current EVSEs may include very small status indicators or LCD screens toindicate rudimentary operational status such as charging or pause.Generally, such small status indicators or LCD screens are located on afront face of the EVSE unit. In order to assess the status of the EVSE,such as the state of charging, the user may need to approach the EVSEquite closely. In some instances, the unit may be outside, or at adistance from the residence, or even across a garage or other vehiclestorage area. As such, the user must approach closely to determine thestatus of the unit, i.e., to read the LCD screen or other statusindicators.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, enhanced userfunctionality and user feedback is provided. In particular, in a firstaspect according to embodiments of the present invention, an EVSElighting apparatus is provided wherein a status of the EVSE is readilyconveyed to a user, while the user is at a distance from the EVSE.Status of the EVSE may be readily conveyed to the user at distances of20 meters or more, 30 meters or more, 40 meters or more, or even 50meters or more. Various colors may be prominently displayed on one ormore external regions of the housing of the EVSE and may be used toconvey various pieces of status information about the EVSE to the userat a distance. In other embodiments, flashing lights may be used toindicate status information, such as a charging state.

For example, in one or more embodiments, a light guide assembly of theEVSE may generate and display one or more colors and/or flashing lightson a light exit region located on the housing exterior that indicatestatus to the user. The light exit region may be provided around theperiphery of the housing, such as around portions of the lid. Statussuch as charge completeness, readiness to charge, fault, faultcondition/type, charge time delay, pause, indicating remote access, orthe like may be provided.

In one or more embodiments, the light guide assembly is secured to ahousing body, and in particular, is used to close off access to a highvoltage area of the EVSE where high voltage components (e.g., contactor,high voltage wiring, high voltage printed circuit board and connectionsto SAEJ1772) are provided. Thus, as the lid is hinged open, the lightguide assembly positioned under the lid covers the high voltagecomponents such that the user cannot see or touch such components. Theonly component that is accessible is the one or more connectionterminals, and they may also be mounted under a safety cover.

In another aspect, a lid of the EVSE is hinged and may be readilyrotated and locked in place in an opened configuration so that the user,installer, or technician may install or service the EVSE. While the lidmay include functionality so that it may be hinged and rotated out ofplace, the lid may still have detailed status information displayed on asurface thereof, and this may be accomplished without actually havingany wiring routed to the lid.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 1A-6 below.

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of an electric vehicle chargingapparatus 100 being mounted to a structure 101, such as a wall.Optionally, the housing 102 may be mounted to structures such as a stud,post, pedestal, or the like. The electric vehicle charging apparatus 100receives electrical power from an electrical power supply system orcomponent by electrically connecting to a residential panel box,sub-panel box, electrical gang box, or electrical receptacle (e.g., anelectrical outlet) or the like. The electric vehicle charging apparatus100 is adapted to charge an electric vehicle (EV) 504 (See FIG. 5A).

The electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 includes a housing 102,which may effectively function to compartmentalize the internalcomponents, and provide status information to a user. In one aspect, thestatus information may be viewed at a distance. Additionally, relativelydetailed status information may be displayed on a control panel on thehousing.

The housing 102 may have a body 104 having a front and a rear and a lid105 rotationally mounted and coupled to the front the body 104. The lid105 may be removable or hinged such that it may be rotated away from thehousing to provide access to the internal regions of the electricvehicle charging apparatus 100. In one or more embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 3A-3D, one or more hinges 104A may rotationally mount the lid 105to the body 104, such as at a top thereof. The lid 105 may include alatch or other securing features, such as one or more screws to fastenthe lid 105 to the body 104. A tamper evident connection 102T may beprovided on the front of the housing 102, via aligned holes passingthrough the body 104 and the lid 105. This will allow the utilitypersonnel to add a tamper proof tag through the holes to preventunauthorized persons from accessing the electric vehicle chargingapparatus 100.

The electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 includes a charging cable103 and an electrical connector 103C that is adapted to couple to amating connector located on the electric vehicle 504 (FIG. 5A). In thedepicted embodiment, the electrical connector 103C may be mounted foreasy access on a front mounting post 105P (FIG. 1B) formed on thehousing 102, such as on the lid 105. The housing 102 may have a suitableshape such that the charging cable 103 may be wrapped about a peripheryof the housing 102 one or more times and may include a housing lip thatis adapted to provide a channel in conjunction with the structure 101 toretain the charging cable 103 within bounds, much like a hose reel. Thebody 104 may be made of a plastic material, such as a flame-retardantplastic material (e.g., a glass-filled, flame-retardant polyestermaterial). However, in one or more embodiments, the lid 105 may be madefrom a more attractive plastic, such as a less flame retardant plastic(e.g., a non-glass-filled polycarbonate plastic). In this manner, awider pallet of colors of the plastic may be available, a surfacesmoothness may be enhanced, and/or injection molding may be improved.Other suitable materials may be used.

The one or more hinges 104A may allow relatively free rotation of thelid 105 relative to the body 104, and may include a suitable mechanism(FIGS. 3A-3F) for locking the lid 105 in an opened position. The lid maybe hinged into complete or partially opened configurations. One or moreclosure fasteners 105F may be used to fasten the lid 105 to the body 104when hinged closed. A suitable flexible seal may be provided around theperiphery or the body 104 or lid 105 and located at the intersectionthereof in order to seal the internal portions and cavities of theelectric vehicle charging apparatus 100 from water and weather, suchthat outside use is possible.

The electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 may include a control panel105C that may be located on the lid 105. The control panel 105C allowsthe user to select various items, such as pause and delay time viapressing one or more buttons on the control panel 105C. Other functionsmay be accessed on the control panel 105C. Additionally, small statusindicator lights may be displayed on the front of the lid 105 next toindicia (e.g., power available, Ready, Charging, Fault, delay time, orthe like). Other indicia may be used. These small status indicatorlights provide immediate feedback to the user, when the user is makingchanges to the settings on the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100.

Additionally or alternatively, the electric vehicle charging apparatus100 may include a light guide assembly 465 (See FIG. 4B) that is adaptedto generate and display one or more colors, one or more flashing lights(e.g., one or more colored lights), or combinations of theaforementioned at one or more light exit regions 105H (e.g., at one ormore halos). These light exit regions 105H (e.g., halos) are largeenough so that they may be readily and clearly viewed from across a roomor from an appreciable distance (say at 20 meters or more, 30 meters ormore, 40 meters or more, or even 50 meters or more). The light exitregions 105H may be provided on one side or more than one side of thehousing 102. In the depicted embodiment, the light exit regions 105H areprovided on opposite sides of the one or more hinges 104A. The lightexit regions 105H may be provided in segments about the periphery of thehousing 102, as shown. In the depicted embodiment, each of the lightexit regions 105H extends from the location of the hinge around theupper corner, and at least part way down the sides of the electricvehicle charging apparatus 100. Other halo configurations may be used.

Various electrical installations of the electric vehicle chargingapparatus 100 may used. One configuration is shown in FIG. 5A. Asinstalled, the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 comprises atleast one of the electrical loads that are electrically connected to anelectrical supply system 500. The number of loads may be as many asallowed by the load center 501, and/or any sub-panel electricallycoupled thereto. Each electrical load may be protected by its owncircuit breaker, and such circuit breakers may have amperage ratings ofbetween about 10 A and about 125 A, for example. One of the electricalcircuit branches may include an electrical load, which is the electricvehicle charging apparatus 100.

The electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 is adapted to supply anelectrical current output to charge an electrical power source 503(e.g., a battery pack) of an electric vehicle (EV) 504. In the depictedembodiments herein, the charge may be at 220V. Accordingly, a much morerapid charge may be achieved. The power may be supplied to the EV 504 bythe charging cable 103 having the electrical connector 103C electricallycoupling to a receiving connector on the EV 504. As shown in FIG. 5A,the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 may be plugged directly intoan electrical receptacle 506 that is electrically coupled to the circuitbreaker 520. The electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 may include anoutside electrical cord 128 and a suitable outside electrical plug 129,such as a 240 V NEMA plug. Other plugs may be used. Thus, in thisembodiment, the electric vehicle charging system 100 is wired with anoutside cord option and powered through the outside electrical cord 128and outside electrical plug 129, which provides excellent flexibilityregarding installation location of the electric vehicle chargingapparatus 100. The term “outside” as used herein denotes a positionoutside of a footprint of the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100,i.e., external to, but not behind the electric vehicle chargingapparatus 100.

Optionally, the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 may be wired toa rear electrical receptacle via a rear receptacle mount option or to agang box located behind the electric vehicle charging system 100, i.e.,within the footprint of the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100. Inyet another embodiment, the electric vehicle charging system 100 may bewired directly to a circuit breaker 520 in a main load center 501, or toa sub-panel (not shown) electrically coupled to the main load center501, such as through a conduit. To complete this installation, anelectrical cable (e.g., 10-3 cable) is run through the conduit and ispassed through a first wiring entry 116 (See FIG. 1D). The first wiringentry 116 may be formed by removing a knock out or a replacement plug.In the case of a replacement plug, which may be a sealed plug, thereplacement plug can be swapped to another location within the electricvehicle charging apparatus 100 when reconfiguring the electricalconnection (e.g., in the field). In all mounting options, the wires ofthe cord or cables are connected to one or more electrical terminals 107provided on the inside of a first front cavity 106.

FIGS. 1A through 1F illustrate the components of the electric vehiclecharging apparatus 100. The body 104 may include a number of internalcavities. A first front cavity 106 of the body 104 (e.g., at a lowersection of the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100) may contain atleast one electrical terminal 107. The at least one electrical terminal107 may be a lug, lug assembly, quick connect, terminal block, or thelike. In the depicted embodiment, a line terminal block 107A and agrounding terminal block 1078 are shown. Other electrical terminaloptions may be used. The lower section of the electric vehicle chargingapparatus 100 has been designed to properly route and terminate thevarious electrical connection options. FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate aninterior flexible wiring compartment as a first front cavity 106 easilyassessable by removing or rotating the hinge out of the way. This firstfront cavity 106 may be appropriately sized to house either a singlephase or a three phase wiring system, such as with an earth ground. FIG.1D illustrates one of the flexibility features, and illustrates aninterchangeable lug interface or terminal 107. The terminal 107(providing an electrical connection between the incoming wires andelectrical components of the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100)may be mounted via threaded metal inserts staked into the plasticmolding, for example. This lug interface or terminal 107 may be fastenedto the threaded insert by a suitable fastener. Various alternative luginterfaces or terminal designs or types can be selected and utilized ona common mounting platform within the first front cavity.

The body 104 may also include a second front cavity 108 (e.g., at anupper portion) that is adapted to house and contain high voltagecomponents such as a contactor 109, high voltage wiring, connections tothe SAEJ1772 connector, and one or more printed circuit boards (e.g.,circuit board 453). The contactor 109 in the second front cavity 108 maybe electrically coupled to the at least one terminal 107, and also tothe charging cable 103. The contactor 109 may have a current rating of30 A or greater and a voltage rating of 208V or greater, for example.The high voltage printed circuit board 453 may receive a high voltage(e.g., greater than about 110 V) from the contactor 109.

In another aspect, the electric vehicle charging system 100 may includeone or more low voltage terminals 112 (e.g., dry contact inputs and/oroutputs), which may be included in the first front cavity 106 andaccessible by lifting or removing the lid 105. Accordingly, varioussignal and/or data inputs and/or outputs may be provided to and/or froma low voltage printed circuit board (e.g., 456). Optionally, an Ethernetterminal 114 (shown dotted in FIG. 10) may be provided in the firstfront cavity 106 and may be adapted to connect an Ethernet cable to theprinted circuit board 456. A removable plug 115 in the first frontcavity 106 may be used to receive a hard wired connection from the rearof the unit to the one or more low voltage terminal blocks 112 and/orthe Ethernet terminal 114.

In this manner data communication with a home network cable (e.g., aCAT5e or similar cable), a utility service communication cable, or thelike may be provided. For example, in one or more embodiment, a statusof the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 (e.g., powered, faulted,charging, charging state, charged, delay, or the like) may be remotelymonitored. In one or more embodiments, the utility service may monitorand/or remotely shut down the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100during periods of high electrical demand. Similarly, a home networkcable (e.g., a CAT5e or similar cable) may be connected to a homeautomation system, garage controls, or other components in the home,such as a remote switch or breaker, or the like.

In more detail, the first front cavity 106 and second front cavity 108may be separated by dividing wall 110. Hot(s), neutral, and groundconductors pass through a small opening in the dividing wall 110 and areconnected to the contactor 109. A radio frequency interference (RFI)filter 111 may function to prevent high levels of unwanted radiofrequencies from entering the enclosure via the line side conductors.The RFI filter 111 may be positioned so as to block and/or partiallyfill the small opening between the cavities 106, 108. As shown, a firstwiring entry 116 is provided on the periphery of the body 104, such asat a bottom thereon. This first wiring entry 116 connects directly intothe first front cavity 106, and may be a circular hole as shown in FIG.1D. The first wiring entry 116 may have a diameter of between about 20and 30 mm, for example. Other sizes may be used.

As shown in FIG. 1E, the body 104 of the housing 102 includes a firstrear cavity 120, and may include a second rear cavity 122. The body 104may include mounting features adapted to mount the electric vehiclecharging system 100 to a structure 101. The mounting features mayinclude an upper housing mounting feature 119 and a lower housingmounting feature 121, which may be molded tabs, for example. The firstrear cavity 120 may be positioned on one side of the body 104 and mayextend from a top to a bottom of the body 104, for example. The firstrear cavity 120 may be at least partially formed by an outer sidewall123, an inner sidewall 124, and an intermediate wall 125. The other sideof the intermediate wall 125 forms part of the first front cavity 106and second front cavity 108. The second rear cavity 122 may beconfigured and adapted to receive the charging cable 103 and a throughconnector 103S. The through connector 103S may be a sealed throughconnector.

One installation configuration is shown in FIG. 1C. The first wiringentry 116 may receive an outside electrical cord 128 with coupledoutside electrical plug 129 (e.g., a NEMA plug) that is adapted to pluginto a nearby electrical receptacle 508 (See FIG. 5A). The electricalreceptacle 508 may be protected by a suitable ground fault circuitinterrupter (GFCI). The outside electrical cord 128 and outsideelectrical plug 129 (e.g., a 240 V dryer plug) may be adapted to carry220V, for example. As shown in FIG. 1C, any suitable connector 128C maybe used to rigidly secure and pass the outside cord 128 into and throughthe first wiring entry 116. In particular, the connection through thefirst wiring entry 116 may be a sealed connection.

Again referring to FIG. 1E, a second wiring entry 130 may be provided.The second wiring entry 130 may be a hole and may provide a path betweenthe first rear cavity 120 and the first front cavity 106 containing theone or more electrical terminals 107. The hole may be the same size asthe first wiring entry 116. In a rear receptacle mount installationoption embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1F, a suitable rear cord 132 withattached rear electrical plug 133 (e.g., a NEMA plug) may be received inthe first rear cavity 120 and the rear plug 133 is adapted to be pluggedinto a receptacle (e.g., a wall receptacle) that is hidden behind thebody 104 and within its footprint of the body 104. Within the footprintmeans that the receptacle is entirely hidden when looking from a frontview orientation. The second wiring entry 130 may receive a throughconnector 134 that passes the rear cord 132 through the second wiringentry 130 and into the first front cavity 106 for electrical connectionto the at least one terminal 107. The through connector 134 may be asealed connector so that the rear wiring entry 130 into the front cavity106 is entirely sealed. The first wiring entry 116 may be closed withplug in this embodiment. Plug may be a removable plug, and may also be asealed plug, for example. Optionally, the rear cord 132 may simply passthrough the second wiring entry 130 and be connected to the at least oneterminal 107 in the first front cavity 106, if a sealed environment isnot desired. Also shown in FIG. 1F, is the charging cable 103 and theconnection from the second rear cavity 122 through into the second frontcavity 108 via connector 103S.

In another installation option embodiment, a short length (e.g., 10-12inches) of electrical conduit (e.g., 10-3) from a gang box mountedbehind the location of the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 maypass through the second wiring entry 130 and connect to the at least oneterminal 107 in the first front cavity 106. In this manner, the electricvehicle charging apparatus 100 may be direct wired into a rear locatedgang box. Again, a sealed through connector (the same as connector 134)may be used to pass through the second wiring entry 130.

Thus, in all the embodiments described herein, the body 104 isstructurally configured with a first wiring entry 116 and second wiringentry 130 to provide a plurality of electrical power connection optionsfor electrical connection of electrical power to the at least oneelectrical terminal 107. The plurality of electrical power connectionoptions include, an outside cord option, an outside direct wire option,a rear receptacle mount option, and a rear direct wire option.

FIG. 2 illustrates the electric vehicle charging system 100 in either arear receptacle mount configuration or a rear direct wiredconfiguration. The charging cable 103 has been removed for clarity. Theelectric vehicle charging system 100 may include light exit regions 105Has discussed above positioned on opposite sides of the housing 102 thatmay light up to indicate a status of the electric vehicle chargingsystem 100, such as a charge or other condition.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrates various views of the hinged lid 105. In thedepicted embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, a control panel 105C may beprovided on a front exterior surface of the lid 105. The control panel105C may allow the user to interact with and provide inputs into theelectric vehicle charging system 100, and. In addition, the controlpanel 105C may provide status indications to the user.

FIGS. 3B, 3C and 3F illustrate the lid 105 in an opened configuration.The lid 105 may rotate on the hinges 104A relative to the body 104. Inaddition, as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, one or more hinge elements 340per hinge 104A may be received in elongated pockets 342 that allow thelid 105 to slide back into the body 104. The lid 105 may remain in anupright position, and may rest against the structure 101 (e.g., wall),such as in FIG. 3B, or may be slid back such that an underside portion105U of the lid 105 may make contact with a top wall 344 of the pocket342. The hinge elements 340 may be one or more rounded posts that extendlaterally from a lid extension 105E. The hinge elements 340 and the lidextension 105E may be molded with the lid 105 as an integral piece.Optionally, the extension 105E and hinge elements 340 may be molded as aseparate items at attached by fasteners to the lid 105, as shown in FIG.3B. The pocket 342 may be closed by any suitable structure, such as atop portion 468T of the light guide 468 (See FIG. 3B). Thus, in the FIG.3C-3F configuration, the lid 105 may be held in a generally horizontalorientation. To reclose the lid 105, the user will simply pull out onthe lid 105 until the hinge elements 340 contact the top portion 468T ofthe light guide 468 wherein the lid extensions 105E may be received inthe clearance slots formed in the top portion 468T of the light guide468 (See FIG. 3B).

FIG. 4A illustrates an isometric view of a body 104 of the housing 102with a first inner cover 451 shown removed. The first inner cover 451may be secured to and close the front of the second front cavity 108. Afirst printed circuit board 453 may resides on a back side of the firstinner cover 451 and may be connected thereto. The first inner cover 451may be a suitable flame-rated plastic, such as described above. A secondprinted circuit board 456 (FIG. 4B) is connected to the printed circuitboard 453 by a suitable cable, such as ribbon cable 454. Also shown inFIG. 4A is a safety cover 457 that is received in the first cavity 106and covers the one or more electrical terminals 107 and protects theuser from high voltage shock hazards. The safety cover 457 may bemanufactured from a flame-retardant plastic such as described herein,and may be fastened to the body 104 by screws or the like.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of a light guide assembly 465. Thelight guide assembly 465 mounts via fasteners to the body 104 of thehousing 102 (See FIGS. 4C and 4E) and may be mounted over the firstinner cover 451. The light guide assembly 465 may include at least alight guide 468 and one or more light sources 469. In the depictedembodiment, the light guide assembly 465 includes a barrier shield 458,and the second printed circuit board 456.

The second printed circuit board 456 may include one or more lightsources 469 mounted thereon or otherwise coupled thereto. The lightsources 469 may be one or more LEDs, such as side-firing LEDs, forexample. In the depicted embodiment, the side firing LEDs are mountedalong one or more edges of the second printed circuit board 456, andoutwardly emit light in a direction generally along the plane of theboard. The light sources 469 may emit one or more colored lightemissions into the light guide 468. The light is conveyed by the lightguide 468 and displayed at the one or more light exit portions 105H onthe exterior of the housing 102. In the depicted embodiment, the one ormore light sources 469 may be mounted on opposite sides of the secondprinted circuit board 456 and may project light to the sides and/ortoward a top of the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100.

For example, the one or more light sources may comprise white, green,red, blue, yellow, orange, or any other color. The colors may be used todisplay a status about the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100. Forexample, the displayed colors may be used to convey at least one ofreadiness to charge, a charging state (e.g., percent of chargingcapacity of the unit), a state of charging completeness (e.g., 25%, 50%,75%, 100% or charge completed, and/or distance travelable by the EV), afault, a fault condition, a remote access condition (e.g., an overridemode), an operational mode, a communication mode (e.g., datacommunication taking place), charging, charge delay time, or the like.Other status information may be displayed.

In one or more embodiments, green may indicate a ready to charge status.In one or more other embodiments, one or more colors may flash on andoff to indicate a status, such as any one of the above. For example, aflashing green light may signify a charging status, whereas continuousgreen light may signify a completion of charging of the electric vehiclecharging apparatus 100. Yellow may signify a 50% charge, for example.Red may indicate a fault mode. Blue may indicate a remote condition,such as where the residential power service provider (e.g., utilitycompany) communicates with and/or remotely shuts down the electricvehicle charging apparatus 100. Any combination of flashing lightsand/or color emissions may be used. If more than one light exit portions105H are used, the lights may flash together (e.g., in unison), or mayalternate or toggle out of synchronization. The flashing may be providedin any pattern, such as evenly or unevenly. Additionally, differentcolors may be displayed on each light exit portion 105H. One light exitportion 105H may flash, while the other may display a solid coloredlight.

As best shown in FIG. 4D, light from the one or more light sources 469may be emitted and travel in the light guide 468. The light guide 468receives the light at one or more light receiving region 470 locateddirectly adjacent to the one or more light sources 469, and conveys thelight along one or more light guiding regions 471, to one or more lightexit regions 105H. The one or more light receiving regions 470 and theone or more light guiding regions 471 may reside under the lid 105 whenthe lid 105 is closed, and the one or more light exit regions 105H maybe viewable adjacent to edges of the lid 105, when the lid 105 isclosed. The one or more light exit regions 105H may include an expansionzone wherein a thickness of the waveguide is increased upon transitionto the light exit regions 105H. The light exit regions 105H may includea first forward facing surface 472 and may include a rear facing surface473, and a side facing surface 474. The side facing surface 474 may beoriented so that they other than parallel with a direction of travel ofthe light emissions exiting the light guiding region 471. In particular,the side facing surface 474 is the surface that is lit, like a halo. Theside facing surface 474 should be angled relative to the light emittedfrom the waveguide portion 471 for maximum halo effect. The angle oftilt of the surface 474 may be selected such that the light beam isspread across substantially all of the surface 474. An angle 475 ofbetween about 30 degrees and 50 degrees may be used. Other angles may beused. The thickness of the light guiding region is substantiallyconstant along a substantial portion of the length, and may be betweenabout 2.2 and about 2.5 mm thick. Other thicknesses may be used.

In the depicted embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G, the secondprinted circuit board 456 is located and secured in a pocket just belowthe under surface of the shield 458. This second printed circuit board456 may house the microcontroller 558 (FIG. 5B), side emitting lightsources (LEDs) 469, and may include front emitting LEDs 476. The lightsources 469 (e.g., side emitting LEDSs) may emit light through one ormore restrictive apertures 477 formed in the shield 458. The restrictiveapertures 477 in the shield 458 may be side slots that may be positionedadjacent to the one or more light sources 469 that may be verticallyoriented (as installed) and may be adapted to limit spread of lightemitted from the one or more light sources 469. Light emissions that aregenerated by the one or more light sources 469 response signals from themicroprocessor 558, may pass into the one or more light guides 468 atthe light receiving regions 470, channel light into the one or morelight guiding regions 471, and emit light at the one or more light exitregions 105H. The light exit regions 105H may be positioned on one ormore portions of the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 so thatthey are readily viewable by a user.

In the depicted embodiment, the light exit regions 105H are positionedon opposite sides of the housing 102. The light exit regions 105H mayinclude a scattering surface treatment such as a roughened surface orother surface discontinuity (e.g., small v-shaped grooves) on the sidefacing surface 474 where the light exits that functions to scatter thelight delivered thereat. The surface scattering surface treatment mayprovide a frosted surface on some or all of the light exit regions 105H.The scattering surface treatment may be rougher than a surface of thelight guiding region 471, for example. The scattering surface treatmentmay be provided by bead blasting a mold used to mold the light guide 465at the locations of the mold that form at least the side facing surface474 of the light exit regions 105H. The light guide 468 may be made froma clear material, such as clear plastic. The plastic may be apolycarbonate resin thermoplastic, a polyacrylate, or other suitableclear plastic material, for example. The light guide 468 may include acenter portion 478 that is adapted to fasten to the shield 458 such thatthe light sources are properly aligned with the light receiving regions470.

FIG. 5B illustrates a block diagram of an example embodiment of anelectric vehicle charging apparatus 100. The electric vehicle chargingapparatus 100 may include maximum amperage set switch 564 that functionsto limit the maximum amperage that the EV 504 can request from theelectric vehicle charging apparatus 100. The amperage adjustment featureoffers a mechanical means of limiting the current to the EV 504. Thislimit may be desirable either due to existing limitations of theelectrical infrastructure of the residential electrical delivery system(e.g., load center), or a charging methodology that may “load shift” theenergy demands of the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 across awider time of the day.

One embodiment of the amperage adjustment feature 564 is illustrated inFIG. 4B-4C. In this embodiment, the printed circuit board assembly 456is located and secured in a pocket just below the surface of a shield458. This printed circuit board 456 houses the microprocessor 558 of theelectric vehicle charging apparatus 100 and includes a maximum amperageset switch 564. In this embodiment, the maximum amperage set switch 564may be a multi-position rotary switch. Optionally, the maximum amperageset switch 564 may be a dip switch or a series of 2 or 3 positionswitches. When the user rotates the switch, such as with a screwdriver(FIG. 4D), the maximum amperage set switch 564 signals an EVSE statemachine located on the printed circuit board assembly 456 to adjust aparameter of the charging. This data is then communicated to the EV 504via industry standard protocol SAE J1772, for example, and theelectronics inside the EV 504 limit the amperage delivered through theelectric vehicle charging apparatus 100. By using a design wherein theaccess is recessed behind a surface of the center portion 478 so that itrequires a small screwdriver, a probability that the switch 564 will beaccidently adjusted is reduced. This switch 564 can also easily becovered by a small piece of plastic or epoxy to reduce the likelihoodthat it is adjusted in the field by unqualified end users. In someembodiments, a small knob (e.g., plastic knob) may be molded on the topof switch 564 to allow rotation by hand. In any event, adjustment maynot take place in the depicted embodiment without removing the lid 105to gain access.

Again referring to FIG. 5B, the contactor 109 is connected to chargecable 103, which terminates at the electrical connector 103C. Theelectrical connector 103C may be a SAE J1772 connector and is adapted tocouple to a receiving connector on the EV 504 (FIG. 5A). The electricvehicle charging apparatus 100 may further include a communicationterminal 112, such as a differential serial port RS485 for datacommunication, which may be provided in the first inner cavity 106, forexample. Suitable power supply and conditioning 579 may be provided onthe circuit board 456 or on the circuit board 453. In the depictedembodiment, a two board configuration is shown. However, it should berecognized that the various components may be combined on one board orseparated into two or more boards. In the depicted embodiment, theprinted circuit board 456 may be a low voltage board. Low voltage, asused herein, mean less than about 24V, for example. A user interface580, such as one or more push buttons, an LCD screen, a touch screen orthe like may be used, and may be adapted to allow a user to receiveand/or input into the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100. ACharging Circuit Interrupting Device (CCID) 581 may be provided tomonitor the differential current among the current carrying conductorsand indicate the presence of a ground-fault to the microprocessor 558 asneeded to provide personnel protection, such as per UL 2231, forexample. A separate pause button 582 may be provided, as well as a delayinput button 584 to enable input of delayed charging for an amount ofdelay time (e.g., 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours). Other visual indicators 586 maybe provided and adapted to indicate whether the electric vehiclecharging apparatus 100 is powered, ready, in a fault condition, or ischarging. Other small indicators may be provided, such as on the lid105. A diagnostic terminal 583 may be used to enable communications withthe printed circuit board 456.

In some embodiments, the visual indicators are provided on a surface ofthe lid 105. The configuration of the visual indicators 586, 587 and thevarious inputs to the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 will nowbe described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4H and 4I. These visualindicators 586, 587 may be produced by one or more LEDs, for example.For example, the visual indicators 586, 587 may be provided byforward-projecting light sources 476, for example. The light sources 476may be forward firing LEDs that may be mounted on the printed circuitboard 456. The light sources 476 may project light forward through aplurality of channeling elements 488, 489 formed in the barrier shield458, and through the lid 105 so that status information can be displayedon the surface of the lid 105. Accordingly, the status may be displayedon the front of the lid 105 such that it may be readily viewable by theuser. Various of the small indicator lights may be lit based upon thedetected status.

In FIG. 4H, the shield 458 may include a first plurality of channelingelements 488 that may convey a status of the electric vehicle chargingapparatus 100 to the lid 105. Displayed status may include poweravailable (e.g., orange), charging (e.g., green), ready (e.g., green),or fault (e.g., red), or pause (e.g., blue). Other colors may be used.Similarly, the second plurality of channeling elements 489 may convey adelay time of the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 to the lid105, such as 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours, or the like. Nine channels are shownin FIG. 1H for each of the groups of channeling elements 488, 489. Someor all of the channels may be used. At a location relative to the shield458, such as at a center of one or both of the plurality of channelingelements 488, 489, one or more switches 490, 491, such as domedmicro-switches may be provided. The switches 490, 491 may be mounted onthe printed circuit board 456, for example. The switches 490, 491 may beoperable by buttons 582, 584 mounted on the lid 105.

As shown in FIG. 4J, as the button 582 is depressed, a post 496 coupledto the button 582 may operate to make physical contact with the switch490. This toggles the switch 490. For example, as shown in FIG. 4I,pressing the pause button 582 may pause (or start) the charging by theelectric vehicle charging apparatus 100. Pressing it again may start thecharging again. Pressing both buttons 582, 584 in unison may be used toturn off the light guide assembly 465. A light may be projected toindicate the pause status next to the word “pause” on a membrane (e.g.,a thin polycarbonate film) adhered to the lid 105 and in contact withthe front of the button 582. As depicted, four other lights may beprojected through various ones of the plurality of channeling elements488, depending upon the status (ready, power available, charge, orfault). Other numbers of lights and statuses may be displayed.Similarly, depressing button 584 may likewise toggle the switch 491 andmay be used to set the delay time (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8 hours). Depending onthe condition of the switch 491, one of the lights corresponding to oneof the plurality of channeling elements 489 will be lit. Thus, the delaytime may be indicated on the lid 105 by the status indicators.

As shown in FIGS. 4J and 4K, toggling of the pausing operation and thedelay operation may take place through the lid 105. Likewise, statusindications may be displayed on the lid 105. This is accomplished whilestill allowing the lid 105 to be removed or hinged such that it mayrotate out of the way. Contact with the switches 490, 491 on the printedcircuit board 456 is provided by contactors such as posts 496 that areflexibly mounted to the lid 105 and coupled to the buttons 582, 584. Theposts 496 may be part of a button and indicator assembly 495 wherein thebuttons 582, 584 are flexibly mounted to the lid 105 by one or morespring elements such as small beams 497 (only one labeled). Lightpassing through the light channels 488, 489 from the light sources 476may be received in guide elements 499 and conveyed to the surface of thelid 105. Other suitable means for conveying the light to the surface ofthe lid 105 may be used. A control panel face plate 492 may be provided(e.g., adhered) on the lid 105 and over the buttons 582, 584 and thebutton and indicator assembly 495. This locates the button and indicatorassembly 495 within recesses 498 formed in the lid 105. The controlpanel face plate 492 may be a thin film membrane, a flexible sheet, or amolded elastomer member (e.g., opaque rubber or silicone). The buttons582, 584 may be of any suitable shape and size and the posts 496 thereofmay be of any suitable shape to contact the switches 490, 491. Thevarious active guide elements 499 are aligned with clear holes in theface plate 492. Accordingly, it should be understood that thisembodiment of the invention allows status information to be displayed inlighted form on the lid 105 without any electrical connection to the lidbeing required. Thus, the lid is devoid of an electrical connection.Additionally, according to aspects of the invention, detailed statusinformation may be displayed on the lid 105, while general stateinformation may be displayed at the one or more light exit portions 105Hvia displayed one or more colors, one or more flashing lights, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the electric vehicle charging apparatus 100 mayinclude a communication module 567 that is adapted to wirelesslycommunicate with other devices or systems. The EVSE communication module567 may have an antenna 570 connected to the communication module 567and adapted to send and receive wireless signals 568 according to asuitable protocol to and from a device or system. For example, thecommunication module 567 may be used to communicate wirelessly with asmart grid node of a utility, a smart meter of a utility, a homecomputer network, an electrical load panel, an internet portal so as tolink to a service provider, such as to perform diagnostics, softwareupdates, or the like. Any suitable communication protocol may be used,such as ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Wi-MAX, Bluetooth, Dash 7, EnOcean, or the like.

A method of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG.6. The method 600 of operating an electric vehicle charging apparatus(e.g., electric vehicle charging apparatus 100) includes, in 602,providing a housing (e.g., 102) and a light guide assembly (e.g., 565)coupled to the housing, the light guide assembly having a light exitregion (e.g., 105H), and, in 604, and displaying one or more colors,flashing lights, or combinations on the light exit region that indicatea status of the electric vehicle charging apparatus. For example,multiple colors may be displayed of the light exit regions 105H, such asgreen and green, red and red, yellow and yellow, or blue and blue. Othercolors may be displayed. In other embodiments two different colors maybe displayed, such as one on each light exit regions 105H, such as greenand yellow, or green and blue, green and red, or green and orange. Othercolor combinations may be used. Also, one or more of the lightsdisplayed at the light exit regions 105H may be flashing. For example, aflashing green light may be provided on both light exit regions 105H, ora flashing yellow may be provided on both, or a flashing blue may beprovided on both, or a flashing red may be provided on both. In anotherembodiment, flashing green and yellow lights may be provided on bothlight exit regions 105H, or a flashing green and yellow may be providedon both, or a flashing green and blue may be provided, or a flashing redand yellow may be provided on both. Other combinations of flashingcolored lights may be used. The flashing lights may be alternating or insync, or in a defined pattern, for example. Other combinations of any ofthe above may be used to signify a status.

It should be readily appreciated by those persons skilled in the artthat the present invention is susceptible of broad utility andapplication. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present inventionother than those herein described, as well as many variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from, orreasonably suggested by, the present invention and the foregoingdescription thereof, without departing from the substance or scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has beendescribed herein in detail in relation to specific embodiments, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and presentsexamples of the present invention and is made merely for purposes ofproviding a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. Thisdisclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the particularsystems or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric vehicle charging apparatus,comprising: a housing having a periphery and a body; and a light guideassembly mounted to the body and adapted to display a status of theelectric vehicle charging apparatus, the light guide assembly furthercomprising: a light guide including a light receiving region locatedadjacent to one or more light sources, a light guiding region, and alight exit region at the periphery, wherein the light exit regionincludes a side facing surface including an angle of tilt relative tolight emitted from the light guiding region, the side facing surfaceconfigured to provide a halo effect about one or more segments of theperiphery, wherein the angle of tilt of the side facing surface isbetween about 30 and 50 degrees and is selected such that a light beamis spread across substantially all of the side facing surface forproviding the halo effect as a maximum halo effect in that the lightexit region displays a halo of different colors each color indicating aspecific status of a particular electric vehicle charging state.
 2. Theelectric vehicle charging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light guidereceives light from the one or more light sources at the light receivingregion located directly adjacent to the one or more light sources, andconveys the light along the light guiding region to the light exitregion.
 3. The electric vehicle charging apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe light exit region includes a forward facing surface and a rearfacing surface and the side facing surface.
 4. The electric vehiclecharging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angle of the side facingsurface is oriented so that the light emitted is spread acrosssubstantially all of the side facing surface.
 5. The electric vehiclecharging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light guiding region includesa thickness that is substantially constant along a substantial portionof a length thereof.
 6. The electric vehicle charging apparatus of claim1, wherein the light exit region includes a scattering surfacetreatment.
 7. The electric vehicle charging apparatus of claim 1,wherein the light guide assembly comprises a barrier shield including apocket, and a printed circuit board secured in the pocket.
 8. Theelectric vehicle charging apparatus of claim 7, wherein the one or morelight sources are one or more side emitting light sources mounted to theprinted circuit board that are operable to outwardly emit light in adirection generally along a plane of the printed circuit board.
 9. Theelectric vehicle charging apparatus of claim 7, wherein the one or moreside emitting light sources are mounted along one or more edges of theprinted circuit board and emit light through one or more restrictiveapertures formed in the barrier shield.
 10. The electric vehiclecharging apparatus of claim 9, wherein the restrictive apertures in theshield are side slots positioned adjacent to the one or more sideemitting light sources, the side slots adapted to limit spread of lightemitted from the one or more side emitting light sources.
 11. Theelectric vehicle charging apparatus of claim 1, comprising more than onelight exit region located on an exterior of the housing.
 12. Theelectric vehicle charging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or morelight sources emit one or more colored light emissions into the lightguide, wherein the one or more colored light emissions comprise white,green, red, blue, yellow, orange.
 13. The electric vehicle chargingapparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more colored light emissionsdisplay a status about the electric vehicle charging apparatus.
 14. Theelectric vehicle charging apparatus of claim 13, wherein the statuscomprises at least one of: a readiness to charge, a charging state,charging, a state of charging completeness, a fault, a fault condition,a charge delay, a charge delay time, a pause, an operational mode, acommunication mode, and a remote access condition.
 15. An electricvehicle charging apparatus, comprising: a housing having a body and alid including visual indicators, wherein the lid is hinged to the body;a light guide assembly mounted to the body, the light guide assemblyfurther comprising: a light guide including: a light receiving regionlocated adjacent to one or more light sources, a light guiding region,and a light exit region at the periphery, wherein the light exit regionincludes a side facing surface including an angle of tilt relative tolight emitted from the light guiding region, the side facing surfaceconfigured to provide a halo effect about one or more segments of theperiphery, wherein the angle of tilt of the side facing surface isbetween about 30 and 50 degrees and selected such that a light beam isspread across substantially all of the side facing surface for providingthe halo effect as a maximum halo effect in that the light exit regiondisplays a halo of different colors each color indicating a specificstatus of a particular electric vehicle charging state; a barrier shieldmounted under the lid including a plurality of channeling elements; aprinted circuit board under the barrier shield including one or moreswitches, and one or more light sources mounted adjacent to theplurality of channeling elements; and one or more buttons on the lidcoupled to one or more posts, which when depressed make physical contactto toggle the one or more switches and display status information on thevisual indicators through the plurality of channeling elements.
 16. Theelectric vehicle charging apparatus of claim 15, comprising a controlpanel face plate provided on the lid over the buttons.
 17. The electricvehicle charging apparatus of claim 15, wherein the visual indicatorsare lit based upon a detected status of the electric vehicle.
 18. Theelectric vehicle charging apparatus of claim 17, wherein a detectedstatus of the electric vehicle comprises at least one of: a poweravailable; charging; ready; a fault; a pause; and a delay time.
 19. Anelectric vehicle charging apparatus, comprising: a housing having aperiphery, a body, and a lid, wherein the lid is hinged to the body andincludes visual indicators; a light guide assembly mounted to the bodyand adapted to display a status of the electric vehicle chargingapparatus, the light guide assembly further comprising: a barrier shieldmounted under the lid and including a plurality of channeling elements,a printed circuit board under the barrier shield and including one ormore light sources and one or more switches, a light guide including: alight receiving region located adjacent to the one or more lightsources, a light guiding region, and a light exit region at theperiphery, wherein the light exit region includes a side facing surfaceincluding an angle of tilt relative to light emitted from the lightguiding region, the side facing surface configured to provide a haloeffect about one or more segments of the periphery, wherein the angle oftilt of the side facing surface is between about 30 and 50 degrees andis selected such that a light beam is spread across substantially all ofthe side facing surface for providing the halo effect as a maximum haloeffect in that the light exit region displays a halo of different colorseach color indicating a specific status of a particular electric vehiclecharging state; and one or more buttons on the lid coupled to one ormore posts, which when depressed make physical contact to toggle the oneor more switches and display status information on the visual indicatorsthrough the plurality of channeling elements.